The objective of this study is to provide a thorough assessment of soil erosion in the Hirshabelle state from 2020 to 2023, utilizing the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and advanced geospatial technologies, particularly Google Earth Engine, to guide sustainable land management strategies. The study integrates multiple datasets, including CHIRPS for rainfall measurement, MODIS for land use analysis, and a digital elevation model for slope calculation, to offer a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to soil erosion. The rainfall erosivity (R) factor is calculated using CHIRPS data, while the soil erodibility (K-factor) is derived from the soil dataset. The topographic condition (LS-factor) is computed using the digital elevation model, and the cover-management (C) and support practice (P) factors are determined from the NDVI and land use data, respectively. The findings reveal considerable spatial variation in soil erosion across the Hirshabelle state. The results are categorized into five levels based on the severity of soil loss: very low (<5), low (5-10), moderate (10-20), high (20-40), and very high (≥40). While areas classified under “very low” soil loss are dominant, indicating relatively stable soils, regions under “very high” soil loss signal potential land degradation and the need for immediate intervention. Furthermore, the study revealed the intricate interplay of slope, vegetation, and land use in influencing soil erosion. Areas with steeper slopes and less vegetation were more susceptible to soil loss, emphasizing the need for targeted soil conservation measures in these regions. The land use factor played a crucial role, with certain land uses contributing more to soil erosion than others.

Tourism is a vital economic sector globally, but its growth has raised concerns about its environmental impact. The study utilized the Contingent Valuation Method and Willingness to Pay to estimate additional costs tourists would pay for sustainable tourism in Petra. A survey of 446 international tourists examined their willingness to pay higher fees for improved services, providing insights into sustainable tourism management and pricing policies. Results reveal a positive inclination towards sustainable practices, with a majority expressing willingness to pay additional fees for entry, accommodation in eco-lodges, and electric transportation services within Petra. Cultural preservation also emerged as a priority, with tourists willing to pay for cultural events and donate towards site maintenance. However, interest in culinary experiences and professional photography services was comparatively lower. Regression analyses indicate age and marital status as significant predictors of WTP, emphasizing the importance of tailored marketing strategies. Recommendations include diversifying revenue streams, integrating cultural experiences, and fostering collaborations between stakeholders to promote sustainable tourism practices. This study contributes to understanding tourists’ preferences and behaviors regarding sustainable tourism, offering insights for the management and marketing of heritage sites like Petra while balancing economic growth with environmental conservation.

Climate change, a critical global environmental crisis, profoundly impacts ecosystems, particularly in regions with delicate environmental balances. This study focuses on the Jhelum basin in the north-western Himalayas, examining the extensive effects of climate change on glaciers, snow cover, land use and land cover (LULC), land surface temperature (LST), water resources, and natural hazards. Rising temperatures have accelerated glacier melting and altered precipitation patterns, with significant implications for local water supplies and agriculture. The study analyses climate data from the Indian Meteorological Department (1990 to 2020), revealing increasing trends in both maximum and minimum temperatures, alongside variable precipitation trends across different locations. The retreat of glaciers and the expansion of glacial lakes have been observed, with lower-elevation glaciers showing the most significant reduction. LULC changes indicate a shift from agricultural land to settlements and horticulture, while LST has risen, particularly in urbanized areas, reflecting the impact of urbanization and climate change. Furthermore, the increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods and landslides, exacerbates the region’s vulnerability, threatening infrastructure, biodiversity, and local communities. The findings highlight the necessity of comprehensive, integrated approaches to address climate change and ensure the resilience of the Jhelum basin. This research contributes valuable insights into the region’s changing environmental dynamics, essential for informed decision-making and effective adaptation strategies in response to the ongoing climate crisis.

The air pollution tolerance index (APTI) of any plant shows the tolerance capacity of plant against the air pollution. The present study exhibited the APTI and API of twenty-two trees present on the roadside coal dust-affected air pollution area of Chhal, Raigarh. APTI consists of the analysis of leaf extract pH, relative water content, total chlorophyll content, and ascorbic acid of leaves while the API consists of the APTI values of trees, morphological characteristics, and socio-economic attributes of trees. The leaf extract pH was observed to range from 6.61±0.11 - 3.28±0.11, relative water content from 95.4±0.4 - 83±0.89 %, total chlorophyll content from 1.16±0.06 - 0.385±0.04 mg g-1 and ascorbic acid from 30.54±0.67 - 10.61±0.84 mg g-1. The highest APTI was 30.88±0.75 for Tectona grandis while the lowest was observed 15.58±0.54 for Alstonia scholaris. The highest API value 93.75% for Shorea robusta and Ficus religiosa was observed. The maximum dust held by a tree on the leaf surface by Shorea robusta (3.18±0.09 mg cm-2) was recorded. Shorea robusta, Mangifera indica, Schleichera oleosa, Terminalia ballerica, Ficus benghalensis, Anthocephalus cadamba, Ficus religiosa, Peltophorum pterocarpum, Madhuca indica, and Terminalia tomentosa are best performers among the selected tree species and suitable for the plantation of trees surrounding of air polluted zones.

The study was for the comparison and to know the choice of Models of appreciation of the mineralization of the two herbicides under the effect of two manures (cattle and sheep) in two agricultural soils of different textures. During this work, we used two types of manure, cattle F1 and sheep F2 with two doses. The application of respirometry for monitoring biological activity has been conducted in the laboratory. The treatments were measured for carbon-labeled herbicides released (14CO2) after 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, 42, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days of incubation. Non-linear mathematical models have been developed for the study of the kinetics of the mineralization of herbicides under the effect of manures. The selection criteria for these fit models are R² and RMCE. The comparison of six models stated to choose the single-compartmental model to a first-order ascending exponential that best fits the experimental data. These models show a strong positive correlation between labeled carbon and the biodegradation time of herbicides, especially in clay-textured soil.

The urban expansion analysis plays a significant role in the physical, social, and environmental dimensions of the cities. The research was conducted to monitor the urban growth and urban sprawl analysis of Tumkur city from 2000 to 2020 using multispectral satellite data (Landsat-5, Landsat-7, Resourcesat-1, Landsat-8, Sentinel-2A). Various methods like urban-related indices (AUER, UEII, and NDBI), and statistical methods (Degree of Freedom, Shannon Entropy, and Degree of Goodness) were used in the present research work. The AUER (Annual Urban Expansion Rate) and UEII (Urban Expansion Intensity Index) study of urban indices reveal that the urban area has expanded from 24.94 km2 to 60.59 km2 due to the development of commercial buildings, single-use zones, and low-density areas. The analysis of NDBI (Normalised Difference Built-up Index) indicates that the expansion of urban infrastructure, industrial growth, and population increase cause significant damage to vegetation in the city center compared to other areas. The study of the Degree of Freedom and Shannon entropy indicates that high compactness appeared in the core, whereas other regions are experiencing significant expansion. The method of freedom of goodness (2000 = - 0.093 to 2020 = - 0.159) demonstrates that the currently unfavorable conditions of urban growth have appeared in Tumkur city and it leads to numerous adverse effects on present and future generations. This study will help urban planners and decision-makers maintain the proper land use planning to reduce urban sprawl and its associated consequences, allowing for sustainable urban development.

From 2016 to 2040, global energy demand is expected to increase by almost 50%. A substantial proportion of this expansion will remain concentrated in emerging economies, predominantly India and China. The energy demand, namely for coal, will increase due to reasons such as population growth, industrialization, and the remarkable expansion of the middle class. In India, the coal employed is categorized as low-grade and exhibits a notable ash content, ranging from 30 to 45 percent. Using lignite or coal in thermal power stations leads to generating a significant quantity of fly ash. The issues of controlling fly ash due to its propensity to cause air and water pollution must be addressed efficiently, especially given the large volume of ash produced and the environmental impact it causes in India. This article thoroughly examines Indian fly ash, encompassing its distinctive attributes, a wide array of uses, environmental ramifications, and regulatory structure. The volume of fly ash produced has experienced a significant rise in the last ten years, primarily because coal-fired thermal power plants are responsible for meeting more than 70% of the nation’s electricity demands. Currently, India is responsible for the production of about 180 million metric tonnes of fly ash. Moreover, this article provides a thorough examination of the global landscape about the manufacturing and utilization of fly ash, with a particular focus on India.

The degradation of atrazine (ATZ) was studied in the presence of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) under ultraviolet light irradiation. The β-CD was characterized by modern analytical techniques and the different operating parameters of photodegradation were investigated. Experimental results revealed irregular shapes in the structure of β-CD, and the functional groups of β-CD were present in the glucose units. The BET surface area of β-CD was 285.02 m2/g with a pore volume of 0.172 cc/g and a pore diameter of 2.138 nm, whereas, the x-ray diffraction analysis revealed the polycrystalline nature of β-CD. The z-average diameter of the particle size distribution was determined as 63.21 nm, thermogravimetric analysis data demonstrated weight loss events while the differential thermal analysis data revealed associated energy changes during phase transitions. The photodegradation of ATZ in the presence of β-CD resulted in 80.80% and 59.40% degradation, respectively, for 6.25 mg/L and 100 mg/L of ATZ after 60 min of irradiation time. The treatment method could be described by the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model, with kc equals 0.1462 mgL-1min-1 and KLH equals 10.45 × 10-2 Lmg-1. Thus, photodegradation with β-CD as a catalyst could be effectively used for the remediation of pesticide-contaminated wastewater.

The utilization of plastic waste and dry leaves in bricks is a sustainable approach to reducing environmental pollution and managing waste. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of incorporating plastic wastes and dry leaves into the manufacturing of bricks, as well as the potential benefits of using such bricks. The study involves the collection of plastic wastes and dry leaves, sorting and cleaning them before mixing them with clay, sand, and cement in varying proportions. The mixtures are then compressed and molded into bricks, which are allowed to dry and cure before being tested for their physical and mechanical properties. To create plastic soil blocks, the soil was added to the molten plastic paste along with dry leaves in the following ratios: 1.5:1.5:0.5 (plastic, soil, and dry leaves, respectively). Results of the study showed that the inclusion of plastic wastes and dry leaves in brick production can lead to significant improvements in properties such as compressive strength, water absorption, and durability. Furthermore, the use of such bricks can help to reduce the amount of plastic waste and dry leaves in the environment, and also provide a sustainable alternative to traditional bricks that use finite natural resources. In conclusion, the utilization of plastic wastes and dry leaves in bricks is a promising approach toward sustainable construction. Further research is needed to optimize the proportions of the materials used and to investigate the long-term durability of the bricks under different environmental conditions.

This study investigates the trends and processes of flooding in Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia, following the 2015 Ranau Earthquake. The earthquake caused landslides that altered river systems and significantly impacted flood patterns. Using an interdisciplinary methodology, we examined geological processes, river morphology, sediment dynamics, and erosion mechanisms to understand the correlation between geological forces and flooding. The investigation spanned a decade (2010-2020), revealing an increase in flood incidents post-earthquake. Key findings include the impact of sediment dynamics on river behavior, the role of river morphology, and the importance of erosion and sedimentation in flood timing. This research offers valuable insights into disaster management strategies, emphasizing the need for understanding geological influences on flood susceptibility.